Widespread Destruction and Hundreds of Deaths: Power and Internet Outages After Myanmar Earthquake

Internet and electricity services have been cut off in Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar, as emergency teams continue searching for survivors under the rubble following the earthquake that struck Southeast Asia on Friday.

A Novosti correspondent on-site reported that rescue teams are using specialized heavy equipment to locate trapped individuals and provide aid to survivors. Meanwhile, several bodies have been recovered from the debris.

Local residents confirmed that the earthquake resulted in a high number of casualties and injuries, emphasizing their urgent need for immediate assistance to support relief and reconstruction efforts. The capital remains in a total blackout, with authorities working tirelessly to restore essential services.

State of Emergency Declared After Myanmar Earthquake

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, with tremors felt in Thailand and other neighboring countries.

Myanmar’s military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, declared a state of emergency in all affected areas on Saturday, confirming that the disaster had claimed more than 1,000 lives.

He announced that all possible channels have been opened to receive international aid, urging citizens to contribute to ongoing rescue efforts to overcome the earthquake’s devastation. His statement was reported by the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper.

Rescue Teams and Supplies Arrive in Affected Areas

China’s Xinhua news agency reported that a 37-member team from China’s Yunnan province arrived in Yangon early Saturday. Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations dispatched two planes carrying 120 rescuers and emergency supplies.

Devastation Caused by the Myanmar Earthquake

A statement from Myanmar’s ruling council on Saturday revealed that the earthquake, which also affected Thailand, left over 1,000 people dead and approximately 2,300 injured. Officials warned that the death toll could rise further as detailed figures are still being compiled.

The quake caused severe destruction, toppling buildings, collapsing bridges, and blocking roads across Myanmar. The city of Mandalay, the country’s second-largest metropolis with a population of over 1.7 million, suffered extensive damage.